MUNICIPALITY OF KASTORIA
The local gastronomy combined with the monuments, the traditional houses, the lake and the natural beauty are the main reasons why we should visit Kastoria.
Kastorian citizens are proud of their local, traditional cuisine and their local products, many of which are certified with the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification. The gastronomic culture of Kastoria is characterized by a feast of flavors.
Kastoria is located at a geographical and commercial commercial crossroad and its continuous and diachronic presence made the city a key area in the frequent movements of populations (Jews, Pontians, Asia Minor, Vlachs, etc.). This characteristic is reflected in the flavors of the local cuisine which bear many influences from the Balkans, Pontus, Constantinople and the rest of Greece. Thus, in each one of the local restaurants that bear its own special decoration, the visitor has the opportunity to enjoy tasty treasures that constitute the culinary tradition of the city. In the local culture, food is often accompanied by wine or tsipouro.
Products and flavours
Kastoria’s gastronomic map includes an abundance of local products and flavors. An element that played a catalytic role in shaping the local diet was, and remains to a large extent till today, are the intense and prolonged winters and the particularly low temperatures. The above led to the finding of new ways to process foods so they can withstand long storage periods, as well as the forming of nutrient-dense and energy-efficient recipes.
Wine and Wine tourism in Kastoria
Thanks to its semi-continental climate and the microclimate created by the lake, the city of Kastoria occupies an important place within the wine tourism map of Greece. Since 2006, the wine production of the area has been certified with the "Protected Geographical Indication" (Local Wine of Kastoria), and Kastoria became officially part of the Wine Route of the Lakes, one of the Routes of the Wine Routes of Northern Greece. In the Municipality of Kastoria we have the opportunity to visit two large, exemplary wineries of the area and their vineyards.
The Stergiou family vineyard is located at the foothills of the Vitsi mountain at an altitude of 680m covering a total area of 60 acres. In the family's modern winery we can enjoy the varieties: Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Sauvignon-Blanc, Xinomavro and Riesling.
The Maggel, visitable winery is located near the settlement of Koromilia, at an altitude of 750m. In its underground cellars we will find the varieties: Malagouzia, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro, as well as a wide range of international varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Tannat, Cabernet-Franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier and Sauvignon-Blanc.
Finally, the new Abraham's Garden in Komninades of Kastoria led the love of Kostas Kapourgas to the creation of one of the most mountainous vineyards in Europe. His purpose is the production of natural wines from an organic cultivation with mild intervention. The elms, oaks, walnuts, pears, apple trees and cornelian trees that are in and next to the vineyard, provide a unique biodiversity.
Events-Actions
The city as well as the wider region are famous for the multitude of cultural activities and events, which take place throughout the year.
The beginning of the new year is celebrated in Kastoria with the traditional Kastorian Carnival "Ragoutsaria" which takes place from the 6th to the 8th of January. The roots of the custom lie in the distant past of the city, while some of the traditional costumes and events are connected to the Dionysian cult. Young and old are gathered into groups into "bouloukia", where each one has its own orchestra and they move through the city, dancing non-stop to the sounds of wind (brass) and percussion instruments.
The beginning of "Apokria" (Clean Monday) is celebrated with the custom of lighting big bonfires "boubounes" in various parts of the city. Near the fires people dance, orchestras with brass instruments (xalkina) play the music and traditional foods and plenty of tsipouro or wine are being offered. On the Saturday and Sunday of the Carnival, the "bouzeria" take place, a bream-tasting competition, which culminates in the awarding of prizes to the winners and a feast in the city's squares.
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